The security of critical subsea infrastructure (interconnector pipeline and cables) remains an issue of great concern and there is little in recent news to give hope that these concerns will reduce in the years ahead. Join the SUT and the Nautical Institute to explore the evolving challenges of underwater asset security and the surveillance of critical subsea infrastructure. This event examines responsibilities, risks, and future innovations to safeguard the vital networks beneath our oceans.
Presentations:
Surveillance and Protection of Underwater Infrastructure – Chris O’Flaherty, Nautical Institute
Chris O’Flaherty is an underwater warfare specialist and a former head of the Royal Navy’s warfare evaluation and tactical development centre. He will discuss the core factors to be considered when developing strategies for the surveillance and protection of underwater assets, including some technological options and the associated balancing of risk, reward and investment.
Safeguarding Subsea Infrastructure: Challenges, Responsibilities, and Future Innovations - Jon Capanda, Wood PLC
Jonathan Capanda is a Subsea Project Manager with a background in pipeline and subsea engineering, his expertise is in Emergency Pipeline Repair Strategies and over the last few years has a growing interest in subsea infrastructure protection
The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022 exposed the vulnerability of Europe’s critical energy infrastructure, a concern reinforced by subsequent incidents involving the Finland–Estonia Baltic Connector in 2023 and many more incidents to subsea fibre-optic cables. These events underscore the growing threat of cold war “style” tactics, prompting governments and industry stakeholders to adopt urgent monitoring and protective measures to safeguard critical infrastructure.
For the past three decades, relative geopolitical stability has enabled the cooperative development of energy infrastructure. However, the recent rise in incidents may signal a shift toward “grey zone” activities, with implications for legislations and regulation, design standards, project risks, and the capital and operational costs of future infrastructure projects.
Wood explores the industry’s current position within this evolving threat landscape, focusing on:• A brief history of subsea infrastructure• Challenges in enhancing subsea infrastructure resilience• Responsibilities for subsea infrastructure protection• Practical considerations for implementing technologies• Future innovations